Couple arrested for selling alien cats, including protected species such as white tigers and clowns

Spanish police said Monday they arrested two people suspected of selling online exotic cats, including protected species such as white tigers and pumas, and confiscated 19 cats in the operation.

In a statement, police said officers arrested the couple on Majorca, allegedly raising wildcat deserts and servants in Africa, as well as a mixture of species created by crossing these breeds with domestic cats. According to the Mallorca Daily Announcement, the two suspects arrested were Russians.

The Spanish Civil Guard and the Ministry of Interior said in a press release that further investigations found that their activities were just the “tip of the iceberg” of international trafficking species by breeders, transporters and veterinarians.

They added: “Most of the animals for sale come from countries such as Russia, Belarus and Ukraine, and they are smuggled into the EU.”

Police suspect that the animals were brought into the EU from Belarus through Poland and then provided false documents throughout the group.

Among other species sold on their social media accounts are European Lynxes, Hyenas and Pumas. Officials released several images showing cats in the fence, and officials gathered evidence.

Police say the suspect offers the Cloud Leopard, one of the rarest and most elusive cats in the world, at a price of €60,000 ($68,000).

The officers also seized a desert known for their unique long-eared clusters, as well as two servants and 16 hybrid cats.

As part of the operation, they also seized more than 40 animal passports from Russia, Belarus and China.

Police say that as pets become prevalent in Russia and Ukraine, attempts to breed and retain exotic cats have expanded to other countries.

“These species require a lot of space,” police said. “In addition, they are very aggressive and can pose a danger to people or other animals, so many people will eventually get rid of these specimens.”